What is an AGV?

Oftentimes known as self-guided vehicles or automatic guided vehicles, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are material handling systems or payload carriers that travel autonomously across the floors of a warehouse, factory or distribution center, without an onboard worker.

What are Automated Guided Vehicles used for?

Popular AGV applications include retrieval and storage in storage facilities and DCs, generally in support of order picking. They are similarly put to use for transport of raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods in production centers.

What are the primary advantages of Self Guided Vehicles?

1. Decreased Labor Costs: AGVs can substantially reduce labor expenses. A one time expenditure can remove the ongoing costs of wages, taxes, and benefits connected with a full time worker.

2. Increased Safety: modern AGVs utilize sophisticated cameras, lasers, or other sensors that permit them to "see" and react to their surroundings at lightning speed. Humans can often get fatigued or distracted, whereas machines do not. AGVs can also be used in harsh conditions or around hazardous materials where personal safety is at risk.

3. Increased Productivity & Accuracy: AGVs can work continuously, never needing breaks or tiring. They can make repeated treks across a large building quickly. They also don't make the kinds of errors that human workers are prone to making.

4. Modularity: most AGV systems can be put into place slowly, replacing a few jobs here and there without an enormous capital outlay up front. As automation requirements accelerate, more AGVs can easily be introduced to the operation.

How do AGVs work?

AGVs are shepherded by a combination of sensor-based guidance systems and computer programs. They can travel safely through a storage or manufacturing facility by using obstacle detection bumpers and following thoroughly defined paths, while utilizing precisely controlled acceleration and deceleration.

AGV navigation is generally handled by one of these kinds of systems:

• Vision guidance: cameras capture the AGV's environment, and the vehicles use these logged videos to navigate. Vision guidance is standalone, and as a result, no adjustment is required to a warehouse or factory infrastructure for this type of navigation.
• Laser target navigation: with laser based equipment, reflective tape is affixed to racks, wall surfaces, posts and other stationary objects. AGVs utilize laser transmitters to bounce light off of these reflectors and then utilize the proximity and angle of objects to navigate.
• LiDAR: LiDAR solutions transmit laser bursts to determine the space between the AGV and objects in its surroundings. This information is utilized to develop a comprehensive map of the setting. In similarity to vision guidance, no adjustment of a building is required.
• Inertial navigation: transponders implanted into a building's flooring route AGVs along a specified track.
• Wired navigation: these systems employ wire tracks embedded into a warehouse or factory flooring. The wire sends a signal that an AGV recognizes via a sensor or antenna system.
• Magnetic guide tape: this style of AGV employs magnetic sensors and follows a path laid out by magnetic tape.

What are the different types of Autonomous Guided Vehicles?

There are a number of types of automated guided vehicles. Many AGVs are similar to other human-operated vehicles yet are engineered to function without continuous human intervention or guidance.

• Forklift AGVs: forklift automatic guided vehicles are a commonly utilized type of AGV in warehouses and distribution centers. They're engineered to carry pallets without the supervision of a human driver.
• Automated Guided Carts: an automated guided cart is probably the most basic kind of AGV. They can transport all types of products, from entire pallets to small parts. AGCs are frequently utilized in storage, sorting, and cross-docking applications.
• Tugger AGVs: towing, or "tugger" AGVs tug unpowered, load-carrying carts behind them in a train-like configuration. These kinds of automatic guided vehicles are often utilized for moving heavy loads over long spans. Sometimes they are configured to make multiple pickups and dropoffs along their course.
• Unit Load Handlers: unit load handlers ferry singular payloads like specific objects, or a discrete pallet or tote.
• Heavy Burden Carriers: these are utilized for exceedingly heavy loads like coils, plates or castings.

Boise Automated Guided Vehicle Supplier

If you'd like a complete analysis of AGV possibilities for your warehouse, DC or manufacturing facility, you can talk to a professional at Raymond West by calling (800) 675-2500.

Raymond West's Boise service center serves most of Idaho, including Boise, Nampa, Meridian, Idaho Falls, Caldwell, Pocatello, Twin Falls, Post Falls and surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Boise Material Handling Equipment Supplier

743 W McGregor Ct #100
Boise, ID 83705
(800) 675-2500